Following its very deep recession in 2008/10, Latvia currently belongs to the fastest-growing EU member states. Thanks to its successful austerity strategy and low inflation, the country could join the euro area in 2014.

While a more challenging external environment has contributed to somewhat slower economic growth in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2012, earlier overheating and inflation pressures have abated in most countries.

The revolution that shook the Arab world in 2011, continues to affect the region's economic performance and political stability. In addition, the region is sensitive to the ongoing crisis in the eurozone and slowing growth in the rest of the world.

The outlook for economic growth in Russia and the CIS region for 2013 is mostly unchanged from our 2012 estimates. We discuss the economic policy options to boost economic growth next year. However the uncertain global economic backdrop poses a risk.

Weakened external demand and only limited growth supporting policies from the Chinese government were the main factors explaining China's slowing growth rate in the first three quarters of 2012. Growth is expected to accelerate this year and in 2013.

In 2013, global economic growth is expected to be 3?%, with growth estimated to remain subdued in the US (1?%), the eurozone (?%) and Japan (1%). China's economy is expected to grow by between 7?% and 8?%.

The start of 2012 saw many Emerging European economies fall back into recession. Although the outlook for 2013 is somewhat less bleak, there is little reason for optimism. The region's proximity to the eurozone renders it vulnerable.

While desperately in need of growth, eurozone's GDP is unlikely to pick up in the second half of this year. Although market sentiment regarding the European debt crisis seems to be on a cautious positive trend, the outlook for 2013 is bleak.

In 2013 the Dutch economy will show a very low growth rate of just 0.25%. Globally, the emerging markets will drive economic growth mostly. We project that, mainly as a result of the euro crisis, the global economy will grow by only 3.75% in 2013.

Sub-Saharan Africa has grown rapidly over the past decade. Despite the global financial crisis of 2008-09, Sub-Saharan Africa has grown at an average of 4.7% between 2000-2010 and might experience accelerated growth relative to the past few years.

The UK recovery remains unimpressive due to harsh austerity measures in a weak macroeconomic environment. We maintain the view that the pace of fiscal adjustment must be slowed down so that recovery gets a chance.